The Norwegian Government is now ready to send four missile/torpedo boats with a crew of 100 to join in UN operations in Lebanese waters, according to reports reaching here on Wednesday from Oslo.

The vessels will leave on Sept. 15, Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) reported.

This is clear after a meeting of the extended Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this week, which gave its support to the Government's plans.

Each boat will be manned by a crew of 25, half of them conscripts. Participation is voluntary.

The Norwegian vessels' main task will be to stop the smuggling of arms to Hezbollah, and they may board ships which resist control, according to NRK.

The UN force has been given Rules of Engagement which allow for the use of force, even if not attacked.

The Defense Chief Sverre Diesen said to NRK that the mission in Lebanon is not without a risk for the Norwegian forces.

Source: Xinhua